A Last Reflection Behind Bars: Rethinking Life Sentences for Children in the United States

Some states have abolished juvenile life without parole entirely, replacing it with lengthy but reviewable sentences. Others still permit discretionary life sentences under specific circumstances.

In some jurisdictions, resentencing hearings have been conducted efficiently. In others, backlogs and procedural complexities have delayed review.

As a result, the national picture remains inconsistent.

International Context
Globally, many countries prohibit life without parole sentences for minors, citing international human rights standards that prioritize rehabilitation for young offenders.